Bimini for 28.5?

[Frank Carter]

So has anyone found a Bimini for a 1985 28.5? What about the boom? Can it be raised to accomodate such an accessory? Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Jeff]

Yes

I have seen several 28.5s with biminis. The aft bows go beyond the backstay so the bimini covers the helm seat and the forward bow ends just aft of the traveler. Downside is not being able to stand upright when bimini is up. There are days I wish I had one but you are looking at $1000. Rather have a new mainsail.

 

[Gregg Brock]

bimini on a 28.5

We've had our 28.5 for just over a year. The bimini was already on the boat but the configuration is very straight forward. Fitting the boom and bimini so they don't interfere with each other isn't hard either. I made everything easier by putting on a harken windward sheeting system to replace the old traveler and car. It works better under load and it's easier to ease the main out or in without compromising your sail shape. I still get a little wear on the forward edge of the bimini, but that's my fault for sheeting too tight. You can still see the windex when you're at the helm just by leaning back against the stern rails. I added a few strips of yarn on the rigging lines for easy viewing forward of the cockpit. It works well for wind apparent.Hope the pic of our boat helps.Gregg and Kathy Brock

 

[Whitney Tong]

Traveler system options

My Hunter 27 currently does not have a traveler system. I was planning on installing a Gaurhauer riser over the companionway for a mid-boom traveler. I also have a bimini that I don't want to disrupt and I don't want to lose any space in the cockpit. I am interested in your solution to go with a windward sheeting system.

 

[ken matejka]

go aft

My 28.5 was recently fitted with a bimini by UK sails of New Orleans. It extends from aft of the main about 1 foot ABOVE the boom several feet aft( total fore-aft distance of 7 feet. We have sailed all summer with the new bimini and the helm is always in the shade while affording the remainder of the people in cockpit sunlight( or shade if they want to sit next to me) This set up is far superior to the old bimini I had on the boat which covered the whole cockpit since 1) I can stand at the helm 2) the main can be properly trimmed while going to weather 3) the boom does not touch the bimini 4)I can see the main easily while sailing 5) since the mounts are about 6 inches from the stern of the boat the bimini really never gets in the way. The split backstay and and adjuster have appropriate cut outs. Cost--650.00 but well worth it since all tubing is heavy stainless, all chafe points covered in leather, and they only use gore-tex thread to sew with. I'm sure it will last at least twice as long as biminis that cost more than half as much.